The Summer King and His Winter Bride-Chapter 24: Throne Room Affairs

The quiet anticipation of the Winter Palace could be felt in the early hours of the morning as nobles, advisors and high-ranking officials gathered in the throne room. They stood in their appointed places, their breath misting in the chilly air as they awaited patiently for the queen to make her decree.

Queen Caroline observed her subjects from her throne of sapphires, her decision resolute. At her side stood King Casimir, a warm contrast to her winter presence, his golden cloak pooling behind him like captured sunlight. The court was growing accustomed to his presence though some were still at unease and questioned if such a union would succeed.

"Lady Genevieve of House Rellmont, step forward." Queen Caroline’s voice rang out clear and strong through the hall.

A woman with blonde and silver hair emerged from the gathered nobles, her poise elegant her features sharp and she wore a dark blue dress with a white owl embroidered on it in silver symbolizing the crest of her house. Although clearly past her prime, she bore herself well with grace and dignity of one, well familiar and able to carry the burden of leadership.

She knelt before the throne and quietly said. "Your Majesty."

Queen Caroline took a deep breath before replying, "I shall be leaving the Winter Court for the Summerlands and the realm requires a leader to rule in my stead with wisdom and fairness. Therefore, I name Lady Genevieve of House of Rellmont as my regent to rule in my absence until I return to claim my place here once more."

There was an immediate ripple effect as some seemed surprised by this announcement and others questioned if this was wise and whispered their doubts amongst themselves while others argued quietly it was for the best of both realms.

A muscle ticked in his jaw as Lord Edelwise stood tensed but his expression carefully neutral as he had likely hoped for the position himself.

Lady Genevieve then lifted her chin and her eyes flickered with understanding as she replied, "I accept this duty, Your Majesty, I pledge my loyalty to you and vow to uphold the laws of the Winter Court and serve the people who place their trust in the crown.

"Then rise, Lady Genevieve, Regent of the Winter Court." A solemn silence followed as Queen Caroline placed a tiara on her head and placed the royal signet ring on the right hand of her middle finger.

As Lady Genevieve stood, a court scribe stepped forward to document the decree. The nobles then bowed in respect to their newly appointed leader. Lord Edelwise pressed his lips into a thin line and dipped his head just enough to show submission to the decree.

King Casimir who watched the proceedings in silence finally spoke out his voice edged with authority.

"May the Winter Court remain strong in your absence my queen, so that when we return we will find it unshaken.

Queen Caroline briefly met his gaze then turned back to her court saying, "the decision has been made. Let it be known that Lady Genevieve speaks on my behalf and in my authority until the day I should return."

"We shall resume court in the evening for now you are dismissed to enjoy lunch in the banquet hall."

With a wave of her hand she dismissed the court though everyone felt the weight of the moment linger in the air as she descended from her throne, she said.

"Thank you, Lady Genevieve."

To which the latter replied with a knowing smile.

"Rule well my queen and may you return stronger than you were before." Lady Genevieve proclaimed proudly.

Queen Caroline smiled fondly up at her mother’s cousin and stepped forward with King Casimir beside her.

In the evening, the throne room of the Winter Palace was alive with the flutter of banners and the hushed voices of those gathered. A formal declaration was going to be made and it would change the course of history forever.

Queen Caroline and King Casimir stood side by side before the sea of nobles holding hands. A hush fell upon the nobles and emissaries of both Winter and Summer Courts.

"For the sake of peace and unity between our courts, I, Queen Caroline Eira DeWynter accept the proposal of King Casimir Sol Aurelius of the Summerlands. I shall take my place beside him as queen and forge a new future where our people stand together as one."

Gasps and murmurs spread throughout the crowd. As some had expected this; others, especially among the older nobility, looked hesitant, their faces lined with doubt. A few nobles from both courts openly exchanged tense glances as their silence filled with resistance to such a declaration.

King Casimir’s voice carried over the assembled lords and ladies.

"For centuries, our realms have remained divided, our lands torn apart by old grievances and lingering fears. That time has come to an end. We must stand together, for there are forces at play that would see us fall. We will not let them succeed."

Lord Ivar then stepped forward. He asked aloud for all to hear, "What of our customs? Our ways? Would we simply fold them into the Summerlands?"

Queen Caroline replied confidently.

"No, Lord Ivar. The identity of our people will not be erased as for customs and our ways, they will be merged with those of the Summerlanders should they chose to. Our people will be further strengthened and protected by this alliance and will no longer suffer from old rivalries."

Stepping forward, General Felix Gray who had once served Queen Evelyn made his presence known.

"I will stand with Your Majesty and fight for this cause of peace, between our great realms."

Beside him, Sir Alarick of the Summerlands placed his fist on his chest.

"I stand with my King, I vow to protect those who fight for the good cause of peace between both lands."

Slowly one by one, other knights, nobles, advisors, and royal emissaries stepped forward from both courts. Not all were in support of this declaration but King Casimir and Queen Caroline were surprised to find that the majority of the people and nobles sided with them.

"Those who do support us and are in favour of this union, will be reevaluated for greater ranks within the new court that will combine both Winter and Summer courts." King Casimir announced.

"Those who will not support us are welcome to leave court life and pursue your own interests in peace without harming those of you who do support us." He added on as a final warning.

Lord Ivar sighed but remained in place. Lord Edelwise watched, his lips pressed into a firm line, his silence more telling than words, for he knew there would be great challenges ahead.

Queen Caroline then smiling at King Casimir declared, "Let it be known, that this is not an end, but a beginning. We march forward as one."

As the proclamation was etched into the royal records and the banners of both courts were raised side by side, the first true steps toward unification had just begun. The battle for peace was just starting and King Casimir and Queen were ready to face it together as they held each others hand and looked confidently at the sea of the subjects that had pledged their loyalty.

As the sun set completely in the west, leaving behind a dark blue sky filled with stars. Queen Caroline remembered the young girl, Isla, from her lands that she had met in the Summer Palace gardens.

She summoned the royal healer, Sir Aiden to inquire further.

"You summoned me, Your Majesty," he stood before her in the royal throne room.

"There was a young healer I met Aiden harvesting starflowers, for fevers in the Summer Palace. Tell me is it true, that they can succumb to such fevers?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, it is true." He confirmed.

"Some even go into a madness if the treatment of starflowers is not administered soon enough."

"I see," she replied trying to remain calm.

"Wait here, Aiden." Turning to a guard she said "send for Freya please I need to speak with her immediately."

"Your Majesty, you summoned me," Freya an elderly woman entered the throne room.

She wore a deep dark purple gown with silver snowflakes on the bodice and a white fur coat.

"Yes, do the enchanted bracelets, extinguish their fire or suppress it? I am worried about the fever that has ravaged the Summerlanders. I do not wish the bracelet to have adverse effects on our guests."

"They merely extinguish it Your Majesty not suppress it, I am aware of the fever and your concerns, fear not Your Majesty they will not suffer any side effects due to the enchantment on the bracelets."

"That is a relief to hear, Freya thank you."

"Most welcome, Your Majesty. May I please speak with you in private?"

"Yes of course, Freya," She replied dismissing Sir Aiden.

"I have news Your Majesty, it would appear that the Summer King may suffer from the fever and even the madness that follows, this has caused his power to get out of control and burn things during fits."

"How have you learnt this Freya?"

"I have my spies and sources, Your Majesty."

"I see, was my father aware of this?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, he had hoped you would be the King’s cure?"

"His cure? But how?"

"Your father believed in the old prophecy that the union would rid us all of the shackles of magic that bind us to the land, therefore the Summer King would be....

"Set free," Queen Caroline finished for her.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"That’s why he sounded so sure...." she murmured to herself.

"So sure of what Your Majesty?" Freya asked alert.

"Sure that I would be of help to him, Freya, I did not know he suffered, he did not say so in so many words."

"But Freya if you know this, that would mean so many others do as well it has become common knowledge."

"I am afraid so, Your Majesty, your marriage must happen as soon as possible and I will aid you in whatever means necessary. I will see you succeed Your Majesty as Your Father wished.

"I am grateful for your support, Lady Freya."

"You are most welcome, Your Majesty." Lady Freya replied before Queen Caroline dismissed her.